Mendenhall's TD in OT leads Steelers over Falcons | News

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Pittsburgh, PA (Sports Network) - Rashard Mendenhall broke off a 50-yard game-
winning touchdown run on the Steelers' first play of overtime as Pittsburgh
persevered for a 15-9 win over Atlanta in a defensive battle at Heinz Field.

After the Falcons faltered on the first possession of OT, Michael Koenen's
poor 36-yard punt from the 14-yard-line gave the Steelers prime field
position.

Mendenhall wasted little time in making it count, bursting through a hole off
right tackle sealed off by a textbook block from tight end David Johnson on
his way to the end zone.

Mendenhall ended with 120 yards on 22 carries while Hines Ward came up huge
for Dennis Dixon with six catches for 108 yards.

Dixon, making only his second career NFL start, proved an efficient
game-manager in the absence of a suspended Ben Roethlisberger. He completed
18-of-26 passes for 236 yards with an interception as Pittsburgh (1-0)
extended its streak of wins in opening-season games to a league-best eight.

It was also their eighth consecutive home-opening win, good for third longest
in the NFL.

Matt Ryan was 27-of-44 passing for 252 yards with a fourth-quarter
interception. Michael Turner was held to 42 yards on 19 touches for Atlanta
(0-1).

Roddy White totaled a career-high 13 receptions for 111 yards in the loss.